Childminder in Stockton-on-Tees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289169 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2004. She lives in a four bed roomed detached house in the Ingleby Barwick area of Stockton on Tees. The house is situated in a large residential area close to local amenities including schools and shops. The childminder lives with her husband and three children aged 15,13,and 2 years old. The childminder uses all of the ground floor for childminding. There is a large play room/ living room/kitchen plus toilet facilities. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The family have one pet cat which lives indoors. Suitable arrangements are in place

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 regarding care and access to the children. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Only one child is cared for under five years. The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well established care routines. Clear explanations from the childminder increases children's understanding of the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health. Younger children are beginning to become independent in their personal care. Children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they access freely available drinks and make independent choices from healthy snacks. All children's dietary needs are met. The childminder works well with parents to meet each child's individual needs. There are clear policies and procedures in place to promote children's good health with high standards of hygiene maintained throughout the home and there are effective procedures in place to protect children from infectious illnesses. However written consent from all parents is not in place with regard to the seeking of

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Helping children to be healthy

emergency treatment and for the administration of prescribed medication. Parents have only consented verbally. There are effective procedures in place for the care of the pet cat within the home. Children experience a range of outdoor activities which promotes their physical development. They enjoy trips to the park and in the garden using a range of large equipment which develops their large motor skills. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is vigilant and uses clear risk assessments to reduce potential hazards. Children are able to move around the home safely and freely in the spacious home because all risks have been clearly identified. Children use a range of high quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development. All the toys and resources meet safety standards and children independently select activities within the well-organised setting. The childminder successfully helps to keep children safe both indoors and on outings with clear

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 procedures in place. She carefully supervises children's choice of toys and their play to ensure their safety at all times. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has all the required documents in place. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection and is aware of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminders and are happy and eager to participate. Children are confident and make themselves at home. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and this means children's personal, social and intellectual development is well fostered and supported. Close and caring relationships have been developed between the childminder and the children which increases children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. Children also relate well with each other and younger children are beginning to socialise through regular attendance at local toddler groups. They become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. Children spend their time purposefully exploring a varied range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as baking, painting and collage making. Children also explore

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with play dough which helps them to represent experiences and feelings in various ways. The childminder has a flexible approach to planning and children enjoy a balance of both adult directed and child initiated activities. Activities provide appropriate challenge for children. Children are well supported by the childminder and all their individual needs are met well. Younger children are beginning to understand their own needs and can play harmoniously alongside their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children's needs well; they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with their parents. A good partnership between the childminder and parents encourages all to work together to meet each child's needs. Younger children are beginning to show an understanding of responsible behaviour as they share resources and take turns in games. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour and this helps children to learn to understand behaviour boundaries and play harmoniously together. Children make themselves at home, confidently making choices of what they want to play with, when to go to the toilet and which room to play in. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation of resources which promotes children's independence. Children have time to relax as well as be active. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are beginning to learn about the wider world through sensitive discussions with the childminder who also acts as a positive role model, however there are limited

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 resources and activities available to develop children's awareness fully regarding diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. Indoor and outdoor space is organised to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. There are effective systems in place for the sharing of information with parents about the service and their child's activities. Information is shared both verbally and written daily. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. All the required documentation which contributes to children's good health, safety and well being is in place and is stored securely. The childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of all the children attending ensuring that all children make progress in areas of their development.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure prior written consent is obtained from all parents before administering medication and for the seeking of emergency medical treatment and advice • develop the resources and activities which promote positive images of diversity to raise children's awareness.

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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